For traveling, we’d remind you to stock up on supplies heavily beforehand. She may want to limit her beverages while you’re on the road to some degree but not so much that dehydration would be an issue. With the current heat, everyone needs to be more careful. If she has any trigger foods that she’s aware of she could try to avoid those. Read more →

Dear WJ: You’re a dedicated caregiver who speaks for many. I believe that you and other caregivers understand that casual friends do mean well, but this is one of many situations in life where good intentions can backfire. A related situation is comforting people who grieve. Some people want company while others... Read more →

If you are like most family caregivers, you probably made a promise to your parent(s) years ago that you would never place them in a long-term care facility. You assured them that you would be the one to see to their care no matter what... Read more →

If you have a parent or other older adult in your family and you feel that poor hygiene is a realistic issue, the first thing you should do is try to determine why the person isn't keeping up with self-care... Read more →

Please remember that I’m only providing information. Other than the Alzheimer’s stamp and the videos below, I’m not endorsing the products since I rarely do that, and I haven’t tried them. Read more →

Although it comes from external sources, this is still a type of undeserved guilt that must be overcome. It, too, can run family caregivers down, contributing to feelings of anxiety, depression, and burnout. In these cases, setting boundaries is crucial... Read more →

The main steps for preparation include folding them sideways (Egosan has a blue line that shows you) to help make the “bowl” shape and gently twisting... Read more →

Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia than frequent memory lapses. If we feel that dementia may be in our future or that of our loved one, what other indications of cognitive change should we watch for? Read more →

Dear MH: Your grandma is fortunate to have you as her advocate. Not everyone has someone so dedicated. I believe you’ll feel better if you understand that the advocates who compile recommended criteria are taking a broad view. In general, not taking the time... Read more →

The stigma that stubbornly persists around adult incontinence is not just unfortunate – it’s damaging to quality of life. Socialization is vital to aging well for both of you, which means that somehow, he has to come to terms with his incontinence as an inconvenience rather than the beginning of the end as you put it to any quality of life for him and for you as a couple... Read more →